I just replaced the head gasket on my suburban about 2 weeks ago and it was running great. While I had the head off, I cleaned the carbon build up off the head and top of the piston and checked everything which looked to be good and healthy. There was no scoring in the cylinder and the valves seemed tight, without taking the valve spring inspection cover off.

Today I noticed that it was leaking in the same spot again, just above the carb. I was degreasing the motor and sprayed some soap and thats when I noticed it was bubbling out. I tightened the head bolts down and it was still bubbling. I am going to pull the head off again tomorrow and check it again. Hopefully there are not any cracks anywhere.

65 Sears Suburban 8 HP w/ 10 HP repower (The Old Tractor)
72 Ford LGT125 (The Hydro) with Johnson FEL
74 Ford LGT100 (The Ford) with 48" Dozer, 48" Mid grader, 50" Mower and a 42" snow thrower for attachments
And I drive a 00 VW beetle TDI as daily, 94 f250 4x4, 86 F350 4x4 currently a project
"There is a sickness worse than alcohol and dope, it is the tractor debt, and there is no cure in sight."

I am going to try the sandpaper idea now. I'll let you know how I made out. Thanks Bob

65 Sears Suburban 8 HP w/ 10 HP repower (The Old Tractor)
72 Ford LGT125 (The Hydro) with Johnson FEL
74 Ford LGT100 (The Ford) with 48" Dozer, 48" Mid grader, 50" Mower and a 42" snow thrower for attachments
And I drive a 00 VW beetle TDI as daily, 94 f250 4x4, 86 F350 4x4 currently a project
"There is a sickness worse than alcohol and dope, it is the tractor debt, and there is no cure in sight."

Sandpaper worked on the head. It was all twisted and warped. I put the head back on sprayed some soap around the head gasket and cranked it over and it is still bubbling.

How do I resurface the cast iron block? I pulled the motor and am going to start cleaning all the built up oil and dirt off it. I am even thinking of repainting it.

65 Sears Suburban 8 HP w/ 10 HP repower (The Old Tractor)
72 Ford LGT125 (The Hydro) with Johnson FEL
74 Ford LGT100 (The Ford) with 48" Dozer, 48" Mid grader, 50" Mower and a 42" snow thrower for attachments
And I drive a 00 VW beetle TDI as daily, 94 f250 4x4, 86 F350 4x4 currently a project
"There is a sickness worse than alcohol and dope, it is the tractor debt, and there is no cure in sight."

Sandpaper worked on the head. It was all twisted and warped. I put the head back on sprayed some soap around the head gasket and cranked it over and it is still bubbling.

How do I resurface the cast iron block? I pulled the motor and am going to start cleaning all the built up oil and dirt off it. I am even thinking of repainting it.

A quick fix is to use some permatex #2 gasket maker on both sides of the head gasket. I did when i put my GT18 back together, used the old head gaskets and no leaks. It stays soft and flexible but seals well

A quick fix is to use some permatex #2 gasket maker on both sides of the head gasket. I did when i put my GT18 back together, used the old head gaskets and no leaks. It stays soft and flexible but seals well

I never even thought of that! I'm going to have to pick some up.

Thanks Bob

65 Sears Suburban 8 HP w/ 10 HP repower (The Old Tractor)
72 Ford LGT125 (The Hydro) with Johnson FEL
74 Ford LGT100 (The Ford) with 48" Dozer, 48" Mid grader, 50" Mower and a 42" snow thrower for attachments
And I drive a 00 VW beetle TDI as daily, 94 f250 4x4, 86 F350 4x4 currently a project
"There is a sickness worse than alcohol and dope, it is the tractor debt, and there is no cure in sight."

You can true up a small block using a big flat file. Just go slowly and hold the file good and flat to the block. I use a 2" wide by 16" long Mill Bastard that I got years ago for truing up castings. Having a good file brush will keep the file clean and sharp.

I'd suggest having the piston just below TDC and sealing it with grease. This will allow you to keep the filings from going down alongside the piston. What little grease is left between the piston and cylinder wall after the cleanup will dissipate shortly after startup.

Mike

A gun and a parachute are much the same. When you need one nothing else will really suffice.

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